Rulers And Reaction Times Essays - Cognition, Mental Chronometry

Rulers And Reaction Times Rulers and Reaction Times Abstract The reaction time of ten subjects was measured. The subjects were asked to catch a ruler ten times under five different conditions. The first condition measured the subject's simple reaction time. Each further condition added an additional stimulus and the reaction times were measured. There was a clear increase in reaction time with the addition of further stimulus, however the expected result of a steady increase in response time with the addition of each condition did not occur. The third condition displayed the highest response time where as the final condition displayed the second lowest (after condition 1). Assuming that no design problems in the experiment affected the results, it cannot be concluded that cognitive processes occur in separate order and do not overlap. Given the average reaction time of condition five was lower than condition three, some cognitive adaption may have occurred to lower the response time of the subjects or another reason may exist. One aspect not c overed by the experiment, but important to the results was the error factor. Pre-guessing the experimenter caused a high rate of error, however it lowered the overall results. Why measure response times? As the world moves forward with technology, increasing pressure is placed upon humans to be quicker, be smarter and to operate more efficiently. As the population increases systems are being put in place to reduce incidences and accidents occurring. An example of this is a study conducted by Cameron, 1995 examining the influence of specific light colors, motor vehicle braking and the reaction time of the drivers to these specific clouds and conditions to avoid rear end collisions. Donders subtractive method holds that reaction times can be obtained by subtracting the simple reaction time; or subtracting type A from type B etc. (Cameron, 1995). Given this, it stands that the more stimulus provided (or thought processes required), the longer the response time of the subjects. This theory is tested in the measurement of ten responses to five test conditions. The trial provides preliminary information to participants and it is expected that reaction times will be shorter than if no infor mation was supplied. (Rosenbaum, 1980.) Method Participants Ten participants were selected, four female and six male. Ages ranged from twenty-two to fifty three. All were fully able bodied and from English speaking backgrounds. Materials A plastic yard rule was used. The yard rule was six centimeters in width. Procedure Condition One The experimenter sat one subject on a chair and instructed them to place their arm out in front of them at a comfortable height. The yard rule was then placed between the subject's fingers at a height of 10 centimeters. The subject was then told the condition 1 (Appendix A) and given three trials. The subject then completed the ten tries at the condition and the results were recorded. All ten subjects were tested in the same manner. No abnormal results were obtained. Condition Two The experimenter sat one subject on a chair and instructed them to place their arm out in front of them at a comfortable height. The yard rule was then placed between the subject's fingers at a height of 10 centimeters. The subject was then told the condition 2 (Appendix A) and given three trials. The subject then completed the ten tries at the condition and the results were recorded. All ten subjects were tested in the same manner. An error rate and abnormal results occurred. Condition Three The experimenter sat one subject on a chair and instructed them to place their arm out in front of them at a comfortable height. The yard rule was then placed between the subject's fingers at a height of 10 centimeters. The subject was then told the condition 2 (Appendix A) and given three trials. The subject then completed the ten tries at the condition and the results were recorded. All ten subjects were tested in the same manner. An error rate and abnormal results occurred. Condition Four The experimenter sat one subject on a chair and instructed them to place both their arms out in front of them at a comfortable height. The yard rule was then placed between the subject's hands at a height of 10 centimeters. The subject was then told the condition 4 (Appendix

Ancient Greece dbq essays

Ancient Greece dbq essays There were many contributions to modern day western civilization by the ancient Greeks. Their ideas and philosophies changed what we believe today. Here are the documents that prove these contributions to western civilization by the Greeks. There are many philosophers in the Greek civilization, two of them are Socrates and Aristotle, and they are both mentioned in the documents. Socrates is a philosopher that basically was the father of philosophy. He said that that everyones life should be examined or else it is not worth living. Aristotle is a philosopher who believed that the gods should not control our actions, but we should. He believed in human reason (the ability to think) should guide our actions. Both of these philosophers made an impact on our modern society. Another man that made an impact on our modern society is Pericles; He used a certain type of government that is popular today called democracy. In democracy everyone is equal and you can serve your country no matter how low your social scale level is, everyone has input on making decisions. Hippocrates was a Greek doctor; he invented the Hippocratic oath that in modern society you have to take to become a doctor. Hippocrates is mentioned in the fourth document. The Hippocratic oath states that you have to use your best judgment and not harm anyone while doing your duty. You cannot give any deadly medicine to any one if asked and cant suggest any such advice. Euclid is a philosopher and mathematician; he invented geometry that we now use in modern society. His theory was If two straight lines cut one another, the vertical, or opposite angles shall be equal. Greeks were good at building things such as the Parthenon. We use these architectural skills in our modern buildings like the huge arches and columns. The Greeks were also good in sports that still go on today, these sports being: Track and field, Wrestling, and discus among other sports ...

The Eastern Red Cedar and Other Popular Christmas Trees

The Eastern Red Cedar and Other Popular Christmas Trees Americans buy about 20 million real Christmas trees  each holiday season, most at retail lots and Christmas tree farms. Depending on where you live, the kind of evergreen youll find will vary. In fact, there are dozens of evergreens native to the U.S. Cant decide which one you like best? The trees below are some of the most popular Christmas varieties. Fraser Fir The  Fraser fir  is perhaps the most popular variety of Christmas tree because it is hardy enough to survive being cut and shipped across long distances. The Fraser is a native southern fir and grows at elevations above 5,000 feet. The tree has excellent needle retention along with a pleasing piney scent. The Fraser fir was named for Scottish botanist John Fraser, who explored the southern Appalachians in the late 1700s. Douglas Fir The  Douglas fir  is another common variety of Christmas tree found throughout the central and northern U.S. It is not a true fir and has its own unique species classification. Unlike those of true firs, the cones of the Douglas fir hang downward. They have a sweet scent when crushed. The tree was named after David Douglas, who studied the tree in the 1800s. Balsam Fir The Balsam fir is a beautiful pyramidal tree with short, flat, long-lasting aromatic needles. The Balsam fir and the Fraser fir have many similar characteristics and some botanists consider them extensions of the same species. However, balsams prefer cool climates and are native to the northeastern U.S. and Canada. They have a nice, dark green color and are very fragrant. The Balsam fir was named for the balsam or resin found in blisters on its bark, which was used to treat wounds during the Civil War. Colorado Blue Spruce The  Colorado blue spruce  is most familiar to people as an ornamental landscape tree. It has dark green to powdery blue needles and a pyramidal form when young. The Colorado blue spruce is very often sold as a living Christmas tree,  which includes an entire root ball and can be planted after the holidays. Its also popular because it rarely sheds its needles indoors. The spruce was chosen in 1978 and planted as the official living White House Christmas tree and is the state tree of both Utah and Colorado. Scotch Pine The  Scotch pine  is one of the most popular Christmas tree species because it rarely sheds its needles and has excellent water retention when cut. The Scotch pine is not native to America; its origins are European. It was first used in reforestation efforts in the New World. The Scotch pine tree has stiff branches and dark green needles that are retained for four weeks. Its aroma is long-lasting and lingers through the entire holiday season. Eastern Red Cedar The  Eastern red cedar  is a popular Christmas tree in the southern U.S., where it is a native species. This evergreen isnt a true cedar; its a member of the juniper family. Unlike some species that must be pruned regularly to maintain the traditional cone shape, the Eastern red cedar comes by its pyramidal crown naturally. The trees ease of maintenance makes it a favorite at cut-your-own tree farms. Its needles are a dark, shiny green color and sharp and prickly to the touch. White Spruce The white spruce is native to the northeastern U.S. and Canada, and one of the most common varieties sold as Christmas trees in that region. Like the Eastern red cedar, the white spruce has a natural conical shape that makes it easy for tree farmers to maintain. Its a common  choice for cut-your-own farms. However, some people dont like white spruce trees because they tend to shed their needles, which have an unpleasant odor. On the plus side, the trees thick branches make it ideal for heavy ornaments. Eastern White Pine The  Eastern white pine  has been valued as a timber tree for centuries, and it is commonly sold in the mid-Atlantic states as a Christmas tree. Because this variety of evergreen has very little scent, it is popular with people who suffer from tree-related allergies. Eastern white pines have excellent needle retention and stout branches to support heavy decorations. White or Concolor Fir The White fir, sometimes called the concolor fir, is known for its long, blue-green needles, excellent needle retention, and pleasing pine scent. Its commonly sold as a Christmas tree in California, where it is a native species. Virginia Pine The Virginia pine is a newcomer to many Christmas tree lots, particularly in the South. This variety was developed as a heat-tolerant alternative to the Scotch pine and has only recently been used as a Christmas tree. The Virginia pine has wide tufts of soft needles ranging from dark green to gray in color. Its limbs are stout with woody branches.

Letter to the Little League Commision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Letter to the Little League Commision - Essay Example It was then discovered that people could actually compete for competence where sports were concerned and this gave rise to scoring policies in many sporting groups. Individuals have since then made efforts of becoming better than their peers where games such as football, swimming, poker and so forth are concerned. Awards are also given to those observed to be better performers. Scoring policies for majority if not all games are usually based on the quality of the game as well as the manner in which the review feels it fits into the other games around it (Wrisberg 2007). Most descriptions in accordance to scoring policies are numbered from 1 to 10 where 1 is considered to be an awful game while 10 is considered to be a perfect game despite the fact that no game is ever truly perfect (Wrisberg 2007). The main purpose of sports or rather games in this particular case is to achieve the highest scores and be declared winners in the end. I disagree with the fact that scoring policies for a ll games be eliminated. Considering the fact that your League consist of little boys who are still developing and growing up, it is important for the scoring policies to still be in effect as this will encourage them to perform better in the course of their games. Young children need a lot of encouragement and positive motivation in their course of growing up and games are such motivators (Wrisberg 2007). By eliminating scores all together, these children would see no point of taking part in games and will be less motivated. They will not have anything to look forward to by the end of the day or rather anything to boast about to their parents and friends who may have not been there to observe their performance. The commission also argues that elimination of scores in all games will not leave majority of the players feeling left out or angry as a result of being defeated by their peers (Wrisberg 2007). Keeping scores and tallying in games not only builds character but also produces e xcellence especially in young children (Wrisberg 2007). It is the belief of modern day society that there is need to be Number One and this tends to push these little young ones to work harder and ensure that they become winners where academics and sports are concerned. Competition is not only fun but healthy if kept in perspective and therefore elimination of scores in all games would hinder healthy development of these children resulting to some health issues such as obesity. Tallying and scoring policies help children develop their intelligence and activates their thinking as games such as jig-saw puzzles, simple crosswords, cards and even football requires their intellectual capabilities for them to beat their opponents (Wrisberg 2007). The commission suggests elimination of scores in all games because noncompetitive games tend to establish a sense of unity, support and cooperation. I would like to remind the commission that tallying as well as general scoring policies in all ga mes enable children as well as adults to build teamwork thus enabling such individuals to learn to work together. Games, competitive or noncompetitive all tend to enhance teamwork which is another advantage especially where scoring policies are implemented. When I was about 10 years of age, I enrolled in a soccer team which was noncompetitive. Teachers suggested that it would be beneficial if we participated in the noncompetitive, non-scoring game as

Focus Plastics Plc - Producer of Moulded Plastic Essay

Focus Plastics Plc - Producer of Moulded Plastic - Essay Example The household items under the brand name ‘focus’ remain almost stagnate i.e. in 1993 it was worth 6056,000 pounds and in 2005 it remains at 6533,000 pounds. But the new product range under brand name ‘concept’ comprising storage years, mixing bowls, strainers, salad bowls, towel holders and other kitchen items, sales have grown from 3411000 pounds in 1997 to 16210,000pound in 2005. In 2005, the company started a new product range with brand name ‘concept office’ comprising filing trays, storage boxes and a range of desk items. This latest and new range of products proved very successful in the very first year of its launch and contributed 1320,000 pounds in sales. The company has divested itself completely from its industrials customers. The company has inculcated a reputation for household products for its quality in the minds of the consumers’. It has used latest technologies and trained manpower but being in an industry, where entry ba rriers are low, it faces on the inherent threat from smaller manufacturers on the pricing front. The company has planed its manufacturing facilities with a process-based layout and having all sorts of injection - molding machines of various ages from latest Robotic devices to operate manually. At the planning level, scheduling all the machines and maintaining inventory levels as well as utilization of equipment, output rates &scrap rates has to be monitored by the planning manager. In this particular area, the company is facing the problem company is also inclined to develop new and innovative products regularly because of the market requirements. Needs and preferences of customers are changing fast and the company has to cope up the changing need of its customers. So the company is always trying to develop newer products but in the process faces some problems in developing products continuously and timely.Now company is facing a new dilemma that whether it may continue with its pro duct range under brand name ‘Focus’ or to emphasize on the other product ranges namely under brand name ‘concept’ & ‘concept office’ in this situation company has to evaluate its production and operations capacities and to find out the right kind of strategies for production, warehousing and distribution.

Human Trafficking Essay Example for Free

Human Trafficking Essay What is human trafficking ? It is the illegal trade or smuggling of human beings for forced labour. It’s the fastest growing criminal industry in the world and second largest after the drug trade. It differs from people smuggling. After reaching their ultimate destination, the smuggled people are usually free to do their own thing and find their own way in the country they have been smuggled into. However, in human trafficking, the victims are not permitted to do so. They are held against their will and are forced to work or be engaged in unlawful activities by the traffickers and others. The work may include anything from bonded or forced labour to sexual exploitation. Forced labour is a situation where the victims are compelled to work against their will, under the threat of violence or some other form of punishment. Their freedom is restricted and most often they are compelled to work in appalling conditions. Child labour which is in force interferes with the education of children and also affects their health and physical, mental, spiritual and social development. Most people think that trafficking occurs only in poor countries. It happens in many parts of the world and some of the countries to which these people are taken include America, Japan and Singapore. Many organisations and antitrafficking groups have come forward to prevent this from happening. The International Organisation for Migration, and the United Nations are just two organisations fighting to stop human trafficking. One of the best ways to stop or minimise human trafficking is to educate the public, especially the uneducated society in remote villages, about the dangers of human trafficking. The Government should impose stringent laws and take necessary steps to stop it. I would like to say: â€Å"Let’s fight together and stop human trafficking. †

The Advantages of Keeping pets :: Pets Animals

Would you like to live a happy and productive life? Then get pets! I must admit it is hard to believe that domesticated animals can promote mental and physical health, but many studies have shown that they can. People who own pets have been known to lead longer and happier lives than those without them. As we get older, we become less active. The more inactive we become, the higher our risk of death. We therefore need something in our lives to keep us busy so we don’t die prematurely, and a pet is just the thing to do it. This is probably because of the companionship, exercise, and responsibility that they provide. On the other hand, you must find a pet that is compatible with you or with your life style. Maintaining good mental health is crucial for living a normal life. Many psychiatrists have found that patients with anger management problems can be calmer with a pet around the house. Sometimes, just the feel of a pet in the house can do wonders on the nerves and eliminate certain aggravation. A significant point that has been brought up by animal right activists is that abuse inflicted on animals is, in many cases caused by frustration caused by an outside conflict. Outside conflicts can be caused by work stress, school or relationships. Also, people need companionship to keep stress and mental anguish at bay. When people begin questioning why they are alone, they begin doubting their own self-worth. Then suicide becomes an issue. When a person becomes depressed, their body pays the price. A depressed person will neglect to care for themselves and will slowly deteriorate. Having a pet will give said person companionship. Just being able to have someone to come home and talk to or play with could be the difference between serenity and psychosis. In women, especially, is the extra comfort provided in just being able to care for someone. Apart from that, owning a pet forces one to take on the responsibility of keeping it alive. One’s pet must be fed, watered, and kept healthy. Doing this requires us to move about.

Comparing the Major Theoretical Perspectives in Social Psychology Essay

Because human-beings are such complex, psychologists had been trying to discover, understand and explain human behavior throughout the years by using different perspectives. Each of these processes address these matters somewhat at a different level although sometimes can be put onto the same context and by using making careful scientific observations. Some of the major theoretical perspectives of psychology were developed and shaped during the course of history by some of the great psychologists known and can cited as followed: 1.Motivational or Psychodynamic perspective is one of the most popular of psychology approach that was developed by Sigmund Freud. According to this theory, human motivation is the result of conflicts between instinctual but mostly unconscious psychological forces that Freud called the â€Å"id, ego and superego.† This approach had contributed to the first developmental theory of human personality by tying to bring these conflicts to consciousness using intrapsychic structures. 2.Cognitive perspective on the other hand explained human behavior by using different approach saying that these behaviors are mostly thoughtful and are able to be controlled through a vast array of mental processes like memory and attention, belief systems, problem solving and reasoning, attitude and language. 3.Learning or Humanistic perspective is based on the idea that human being has the potential to self-actualized or in other words to self-develop and move forward in reaction of their social and environmental conditions. Psychologists like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow developed this form of psychological perspective to try to solve human problems and emphasized on their ability and potential to grow in a positive manner. 4.Sociocultural perspective is emphasizing on social interactions and cultural determinants of behavior to explain the mental process of human being. This perspective explains that mental processes are influenced by factors such as ethnic, occupation and socioeconomic context and cultural influences. 5.Evolutionary perspective explained human behavior based on the biological evolution of his species to survive through natural selection and adaptation. References Institute of Physics (2008, March 5). Stop-And-Go Traffic: An Accident? Construction work? No, Just Too Much Traffic. ScienceDaily Siri Carpenter, Karen Huffman, (2007-2008) .Visualizing Psychology, Second edition, Introduction and Research Methods, 1, 4-27.

Presentation: Barack Obama “Dreams from My Father”

Barack Obama – â€Å"Dreams From My Father-A Story of Race and Heritance† Today I want to introduce you United States President Barack Obama’s first memoir, dreams from my father. It was first published in July 1995 as he was preparing to launch his political career and republished in August 2004. Author: Since my book is an autobiography I won’t tell you everything about the author, I just will give some personal facts about him. Barack Obama was born in 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Barack Obama Senior and Ann Dunham. In 1991, Obama graduated from Harvard Law School.While in law school he worked as a co-worker at the law firms of Sidley & Austin where he met his wife, Michelle, whom he married in 1992. Barack and Michelle Obama have two daughters: Malia Ann and Natasha, known as Sasha. On November 4 2008, Obama won the presidency of the United States. The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President took place on January 20, 2009. On October 8 of las t year, Obama was named the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Characters: Paternal Family The Obamas are members of the Luo, Kenya's third-largest ethnic group. Hussein Onyango Obama Barack Obama's paternal grandfather †¢Habiba Akumu Obama Barack Obama's paternal grandmother and the second wife of Hussein Onyango Obama †¢Barack Hussein Obama Senior He is the father of Barack Obama. Visited his son only for one single time. In his memoir, Barack calls him the Old Man. †¢ Kezia †¢Jane Her sister, Jane, is the ‘Auntie Jane' mentioned at the very start of Dreams from My Father when she telephoned President Obama to inform him that his father had been killed in a car accident. †¢Ruth NdesandjoBorn Ruth Nidesand, in US, Barack Obama Sr. ‘s third wife Maternal Family †¢Ann Dunham Mother of Barack Obama. His mother is open minded, idealistic, naive in one sense, world-wise in another. †¢Stanley Dunham is the grandfather of Barack Obama. Stanley and his wife Madelyn raised Obama in Honolulu, Hawaii. His grandparents love him unconditionally. He learns his grandfather's strengths and weaknesses, but never really comes to see him as the father figure he's seeking. †¢Madelyn Lee Payne Dunham Barack Obama's maternal grandmother. †¢Lolo SoetoroStepfather of Barack Obama, born in Indonesia, Obama speaks fondly of his step-father, and learns several life lessons from him, but unfortunately his mother's relationship with his step-father doesn't last. Plot: 1. Origins 2. Chicago 3. Kenya Epilogue Barack Obama, the current narrates a heart-rending story about his personal implications; tribulations in the American society, and his father’s roots. Ad 1. The story opens up in New York, where he hears that his father—a figure he knows more as a myth than as a man—has died in a car accident.Two years later after Baby Obama was born, his father won a scholarship to continue with studies at Harvard University . And so, Obama Senior left Hawaii, went to Harvard, separated from his small family and, was divorced by Ann. He completed his studies and returned to Kenya to take up a senior job at the department of national planning. Baby Obama never saw him until much later. As a young boy, his mother marries a man from Indonesia and they go to live there. His mother sends him back to Hawaii to live with his grandparents so he can attend a prestigious Hawaiian school, as one of only three black students there.Obama has one encounter with his father when he's ten in Hawaii. Obama is a little adored, a little overwhelmed by his father’s visit. Nevertheless his father doesn’t stay very long and leaves Obama with more questions than answers. Ad 2. Propelled by a desire to understand both the forces that shaped him and his father’s legacy, the book then moves on to moves to Chicago where he works as a community organizer. It's challenging work that is rarely rewarding, but Obam a gives it his all. Then a relative from Kenya, his aunt Jane, calls to tell him his father has died, but Obama's not quite sure how to feel about that or how to react.Several weeks later, his Kenyan half-sister, Auma, makes contact with him. Auma gives him a sneak peek into his father's life in Kenya. Obama is fascinated by the life Auma leads and wants to learn more about their father. Before he leaves community organizing to go to Harvard Law School, he makes arrangements to visit Auma in Kenya and TO TRACE THE ROOTS OF HIS FATHER. Ad 3. In Kenya, Obama discovers a family he didn't even know. His father had at least four wives, and Obama has a slew of brothers and sisters who are living in their father's shadow.Obama and Auma visit with one their grandfather's wives, â€Å"Granny. † She tells Obama's father story to him. The story: Because Onyango wanted his son to be provided as best as possible as for opening up a good future, his father received a scholarship in economi cs through a special program which offered Western educational opportunities to outstanding Kenyan students. Following Obama Sr. enrolled at the University of Hawaii where Obama Sr. married Ann Dunham, though she would not find out that her new husband was already married to a pregnant wife until much later.Ann quit her studies to care for the baby, while Obama Sr. completed his degree, leaving shortly thereafter to study at Harvard University. While studying at Harvard, Obama Sr. met an American-born teacher named Ruth who he married after divorcing from Barack’s mother. After a while Obama Sr. published a paper entitled â€Å"Problems Facing Our Socialism† harshly criticizing the concept for national planning. This conflict with President Kenyatta destroyed his career. Following he was fired from his job, was blacklisted in Kenya, and began to drink.He had a serious car accident, spent almost a year in the hospital, and by the time he visited his son in Hawaii, when Barack was ten years old. Obama Sr. ‘s life fell into drinking and poverty, from which he never recovered. Obama Sr. later lost both legs in another automobile collision, and subsequently lost his job. He died at the age of 46, in a third car crash in Nairobi. From then on, Obama realized that the man he thought to be a failure was in fact a hero in his village. His father was the first person to have gone to the US University from his village.Then, Obama forgave his father and decided to change his life basing on his father’s dreams. Themes: †¢Racism Throughout the whole book the main character is faced with Racism. From early childhood he had to struggle with students that teased him when he was playing with one of the three black kids. Even in Kenya, when he and some of his family members are at a restaurant, the waitress who is black, ignores their orders and doesn’t serve them after she has seen European tourists who are white. †¢Search for communi ty As a young adult, Obama set off in search of community and purpose, with the reat role models of the civil rights movement. The glory days of the civil rights movement were long gone when Obama gets an organizing job in a poor neighborhood on Chicago's South Side plagued by crumbling public housing, disappearing manufacturing jobs, and rising crime. The group's founder is a Jewish man who is not fully trusted by the community. At the same time Obama makes personal connections. He becomes close with the three middle-aged African-American women who are core to the organization, and develops a friendship with an eccentric, pot-smoking Catholic organizer.He looks out for Kyle, the teenage son of a volunteer who is in danger of getting into trouble. One of the most moving bits in the book where Obama tells the group he is headed off to Harvard Law School, and promises his friends in the neighborhood that he'll be back. †¢Search for family and identity Feeling out of place in high school, Obama gravitates toward the black kids and works to embrace an African-American culture that matches others' expectations of his appearance, but is different from his upbringing and background. A trip to Kenya before law school is an opportunity for discovery.Obama grew up with an idealized vision of his father, which both intimidated and inspired him. As he gets to know his African family, he finds out that his father's life was more complex and less perfect than the idealized image. In Kenya, Barack Junior finds a family that is loving, close, and welcoming but surrounded by problems — feuds, alcoholism, and poverty. The stories that Obama hears on his trip make things more complicated, not simpler. The stories provide context for the personality flaws, passions, that which are more meaningful, more admirable, and more forgivable, than a shallow but false idealized image. The Limits of â€Å"Organizing† After a series of infamous defeats, the persistence, sk ill and empathy of Obama's group begins to pay off. They organize cleanup for the housing project, job training for the neighborhood, mentoring for school kids. But in the end, during a public forum where the neighborhood people demand basic maintenance for public housing projects, the bureaucrats explain that the Housing Authority budget allows a asbestos removal, or basic repairs, but not both. So as you can see, one small person can’t change everything without reaching some limits.

America Today VS. Brave New World essays

America Today VS. Brave New World essays In the novel, Brave New World we learn about two civilizations that seem corrupt to our current capitalistic American society. Americans reading this story may not be able to fathom the two societies with such different rules and ideologies than our own. This idea in itself sheds light on a similarity between our society and those in the book. As stated previously we are not able to understand and embrace the cultures of other people even those just living across the ocean from us. Similarly neither of the two societies described by Huxley have the capability to comprehend and accept the others culture. This was demonstrated in one instance when Linda of the World State is lost and forced into living on the reservation. Once there she continues in her cultural habit of participating in sexual activities with many different men. The people of the reservation cannot accept her culture and in turn ostracize her from their community. There are many other ideas presented by Huxley that show a similarity between American society and that of the World State. One such idea was that of cloning. At the time this novel was written the concept of cloning seemed far-fetched, but with current scientific practices coning has become a reality. With this reality has come the realization of what could be done with cloning and genetic enhancement. This novel clearly enlightens us to the possibilities. Parallel cultural influences between American society and that of the World State also exist. Presently science and technology are a powerful and driving influence in our life, as they were in the World State. In the New World State soma a scientifically created drug is a symbol of powerful influences. It is a drug that relaxes the mind and body. Everyone uses it as a daily ritual. By the end of the novel it is described as, Christianity without tears-thats what soma is (162). It makes everyone peaceful, like a good vacation. In the W...

Central Bank Policy Decisions

The banking sector needs to adjust to the changing market in the bank industry and environment just like any other economic sector. The central bank has the powers and obligation of controlling and regulating the activities of the banks and other financial institutions by making policy decisions which the banks should adhere to. There are different emerging issues in the bank industry which needs to be examined in the control of the industry by making policy decisions that affects banks. Some of the issues needs to be addressed include policy decisions on the rate of interest rates, inflation, the monetary policy, regulatory environment which greatly affect the profitability of these banks in the industry. The major part of the revenues of the banks and the central banks come from different bank operations which are affected by the changes in interest rate (Atieno,2006). The central banks make decisions concerning the policy guiding the banks in their industry. Central bank decisions on monetary policy affect the profitability of the banks by improving the investments. The monetary decision by central bank can be accommodative or unbiased. The central banks make decisions on the increase of short term interest rate when inflation is increasing and lowering of the short term interest rate when the economy is lagging. The decisions made follows the following monetary policy tools which includes, federal reserve which entails open market operations the purchase and sale of financial instrument, the use of discount charged on the institutions depositing amounts in the central bank and lastly amount the banks can maintain as reserve with the central bank. These monetary policy tools help in the control of amount of money in supply in the economy.The control of supply of money helps reduce inflation, control interest rate and hence leads to increased profi tability of the banks with effective bank services and reduction of inflation which involves price changes and interest rate which the banks depends on for profitability (De Aghion,2003.) Central banks in collaboration with the Bankers Association in different countries have rolled out policies and regulations that have helped in the operation of the financial institutions. One of the policy decisions they have made include allowing the banks to share information on credit lending. Based on the central bank policy decision on sharing of information, banks are able to share credit information on their customers. This has facilitated better assessment of the risks associated with borrowers of credit. The sharing of credit information allows credit institutions like banks to extend credit to customers through the internet without using physical collateral. It is from the Central Bank’s policy decision of sharing of credit information that has translated to lower cost of credit and helped increase uptake of loans by financial institutions clients. The uptake of credit by the customers has led to the increase in profits brought about by increase in   interest rate charged on the loans given ( Bell,2011). The central bank has the obligation of setting the monetary policy goals. It makes policy decisions that help to improved growth and to promote price stability. Decisions made by the central bank like Mexico in the past have helped restructure their monetary policy objectives like maintaining price to be stable as the main goal of the central bank. Any central bank makes monetary policy decisions on setting of objectives that the price determination process can be attained by curbing inflation levels leading to low inflation targets leading to improved performance leading to profitability. The central bank has also come up with decision which permits banks to use third parties (Agent Banking) to provide financial services on their behalf. Subsequently, central bank has reviewed and made policy guidelines on Agent Banking. The policy allows credit institutions to search for central bank support for the approval of specific agents to conduct the work and define the type of work they will provide. It is the duty of the financial institutions to examine the suitability of the agents in line with the policy decision. This policy decision has helped to straighten the lending of credit to customers and improved bank services which are made efficient leading to profitability of the banks in the industry. Based on the policy and regulatory framework of the central bank, the legal environment is firm to banks and financial institutions. According to the World Bank, most of the central banks in different countries are lagging in the development of  Ã‚   policies and legislations.   Consequently, the central bank has made policy decisions for banks to conduct their operations fairly without any unfair competition in preventing customers from accessing the banks services. Medium and long term interest rates depend on other factors like the expectation of the short term interest rates .The central bank has made different policy decisions to induce changes in the short term interest rates which affects the entire interest rate which increases the cost of credit ,leading to low lending of credit leading to reduced investment and low profitability. The central bank has also made a policy decision which allows financial institution clients to be treated like those of other financial institutions like Sacco’s and microfinance’s in the case of security of the loan and means of recovery of the loan borrowed. The central bank decision through the Act of parliament set the rules on the lending of credit hence leading to control of the activities of the bank. The effective credit management leads to credibility of the bank eventually leading to improved performance leading to profitability of banks. After the recession of 2008, many financial institutions like banks have been affected, as the credibility of the banking system has been compromised. Towards the end of 2015, world’s economy started to recover more strongly and this positive momentum was sustained into the year 2014 where world currencies deteriorated due to high rate of inflation. The different central banks came in rescue with policy decisions that were attributable to increased credit to the private sector and low inflationary pressure. The pro-active central bank policies decisions have also led to developments in the economy. More investors have come into the country to invest and hence improving the economy of the country.The financial sector recorded its highest growth for the last decade growing at 3 per cent in 2013 compared to 5.4 percent in 2017. The growth is due to increase borrowing riding on financial innovation that has enhanced access to financial services and uptake of loans.Most financial i nstitutions like banks are setting short loan settlement periods, high interest rates and short grace periods not only to meet the working costs and protect themselves from (collateral) concerned in lending to customers. The central bank has made decisions that have helped in regulating the amount of money in circulation by ensuring each bank keeps a saving account with the central bank. This will ensure that the operations of the banks in lending capital are controlled (Elbanna,2007). The management of financial institutions should demonstrate their understanding and commitment in making compliance to rules and regulation as one of their strategic objectives and to opt for best practices in MIS (management information system) to improve their profitability. The banks should adhere to the policy decisions made by the central bank.   Atieno, R. (2006).Institutional credit lending policies and the efficiency of resource use among small scale farmers in Kenya. Boulder: Westview Press. Aryeetey, E. &Urdry, C. (2007).The characteristics of informal financial markets in   Sub-Saharan Africa.Journal of African Economies.Vol. 6, No 3 pp.12-34. Bell, C. (2011). Interactions between institutional and informal credit agencies in rural India. World Bank Economic Review, Vol.4, No 3 pp. 234-45.. De Aghion, A. and Morduch, J. (2003) â€Å"Microfinance: Where Do We Stand?† in  Ã‚  Financial Development and Economic Growth: Explaining the Links, ed. by C. Goodhart, Bsingstoke: Macmillan/Palgrave). Denscombe, M. (2009).The Good Research guide: For Small-Scale Research Projects.Philadelphia: U.S.A, Open University Press. Elbanna,   S.   (2007). Influences on strategic decision effectiveness: Development and  Ã‚  test of an integrative model. Strategic Management Journal Vol. 28(4): 431.  

Tree Farming vs Agricultural Farming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tree Farming vs Agricultural Farming - Essay Example Agricultural farmers are employees rather than private land owners and this farming involves cultivation of food crops, cash crops as well as farming of animals for food and milk. Agricultural farms tend to grow a variety of crops on the same land and large harvestings take place over a small period. Whereas tree farming is a long process, where it takes about twenty to twenty five years for a sapling to grow into a big tree and only one type of tree is planted across the whole plantation. The two terms however are not to be intermixed as they both share some similarities and differences. (Agriculture) Agricultural farming demands a lot of attention from the farmers. They have to keep a constant check on the quality of the yield as well as the health of the animals. Trees, on the other hand do not require rigorous cultivation, but like agricultural farming there are certain practices that need to be followed in order to keep the growth and the quality of the trees to the best level. The land of the plantation should be carefully monitored so that it is prevented from wildfire, overgrazing and the trees should be kept free from diseases and insects.